Americas, 1750-1914

Political

• American Revolution, Declaration of Independence, due to unfair taxation and representation
• U.S. Constitution brings fair government and equal rights [women's rights, religion, etc.]
• Monroe Doctrine: expelled European expansion in South America, and preserved it for the U.S.
• U.S. is a liberal society and carries on European legacy
• Imperialist expansion bring the US to a global powerhouse
• Simon Bolivar attempts to unite South America

Economic

• Slave trade and slavery abolished
• Cotton gin and other advancements in production of raw materials
• Railroads, Steamships, telephones, and cameras quicken trade and communication
• Industrial Revolution produces more goods in less time, requires different types of labor
• Theodore Roosevelt opens Panama Canal

Religious

• Religious freedom in U.S.
• European flee to North America to escape religious persecution
• Voltaire resented the power of religious authorities

Social

• Industrial Revolution changes family affairs and interactions
• White landowners at the top of social hierarchy and black slaves at the bottom
• Indians and natives are forced from their homelands and placed on reservations
• Popular sovereignty common among middle class
• Terrible working conditions and child labor
• John Stuart Mill promotes personal pursuit of economic interest

Intellectual

• Enlightenment values as main ideas for reform
• John Locke important influence in formation of Constitution of Declaration of Independence
• Socialism also influences formation of government

(Technology)

• James Watt created the steam engine
• Railroads, a new way of transportation

Near Geographic

• Enormous area and used it to their own advantages [expand]
• Gains territories in Alaska and Hawaii
• Access to resources for industrialization